Michael Bell wins Council’s 2016 Young Ambassador Award
November 18, 2016
Talented musician Michael Bell has won Colac Otway Shire Council’s 2016 Young Ambassador Award.
Michael impressed Young Ambassador judges with his achievements across music, school and public speaking.
The Young Ambassador Award is Council’s way of recognising the academic, sporting, hobby, community and career achievements of young people in the Colac Otway Shire.
Michael began playing piano when he was four years old and 13 years on he’s still learning, and looks forward to a future that incorporates his love of music.
The Trinity College Year 11 student received $1000 to go towards his further studies, and has his eye on attending Melbourne University after he finishes secondary school, to study music as well as politics and media subjects.
Michael was among a talented field of eight young people from Trinity College, Colac Secondary College and Apollo Bay P-12 College contesting the Young Ambassador Award.
Other nominees were Tim Gibson, Adam Vesey, Campbell McRae, Claudia McLaren and Nick Lenehan-Anderson from Colac Secondary College, Sarah Hallifax from Trinity College and Summah Briggs from Apollo Bay P-12 College.
Adam Vesey and Summah Briggs received special commendations for their achievements and a $250 prize sponsored by Amer Sports. Adam has shown strong leadership and community service in sport which includes football, swimming and surf lifesaving; while Summah has demonstrated outstanding skills and achievements in art, animation and gaming.
Mayor Chris Potter said all of the Young Ambassador candidates were a credit to themselves, their families and their schools.
Cr Potter said this year’s candidates were actively involved in their community and were positive role models for their peers.
“All of our nominees demonstrated that they are active in their school and wider communities, dedicated to their studies and passionate about their extracurricular activities,” he said.
“We have some very strong and competent young leaders emerging from our local schools, which gives me enormous confidence about our community’s future.
“It was difficult for the judging panel to choose a winner from such a strong field of achievers, but ultimately Michael stood out as a young man who was highly relatable, a confident public speaker and a positive contributor to his school. He offered a strong sense of clarity about what he wanted to his future to look like and we wish him the very best for the future.”
“Congratulations to Michael, Adam, Summah and all of our other nominees.”
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400